With planting beginning in much of the country, the National Corn Growers Association invites farmers to register early for NCGA's National Corn Yield Contest and save big on entry fees. Until June 29, fees will be reduced to $75. NCGA reminds growers
that a small time investment now saves money later this summer.

"We are excited to announce that yield contest entry is now open. While the early entry deadline may seem a ways out, we all know how quickly the time passes once planting season starts," said Stewardship Action Team Chair Roger Zylstra. "Every year, we
gain valuable data from the contest that helps develop the production practices of tomorrow. I urge those who haven't entered before to become NCGA members and try their hand at high-yield techniques as contest entrants in 2018."

Entry will remain open at the full rate of $110 through July 31. All harvest forms will be due by November 16. Contest winners will be announced on December 17.

Two new rules will be implemented in 2018. First, a recheck of 1.2500 acres or more using the same harvest pattern in the rows next to the complete harvest is required if the first check yields 300.000 bushels per acre or higher. Secondly, all yields of
325.0000 bushels per acre or higher require the supervisor to contact NCGA to report the first yield as well as the recheck yield.

Two clarifications of note will be implemented in 2018. There will be two testing options for obtaining moisture percentage. Contestants may do so through a state-certified moisture tester at a grain handling facility. In this case supervisor(s) must be present when
the grain handler runs the representative sample of corn through the moisture tester. Moisture percentage must be printed or written on the weigh ticket that contains the supervisor(s) signature approval. One moisture reading listed on the certified scale printout is
acceptable.

The second testing option is to use a non-certified moisture tester (including portable moisture meter). Portable testers MUST be calibrated. Supervisor(s) must be present when the representative sample of corn is tested. The same sample of corn must be run
three times. The average of the three moisture readings will stand as the final moisture percentage. All three readings must be written on the weigh ticket that contains the supervisor(s) signature approval.

Additionally, the rules have been amended to more clearly define the differences between entries in the non-irrigated and irrigated categories.

Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. The winners will be honored during Commodity
Classic 2019 in Orlando, Florida.

Contact the direct call line at 636-733-5512 or email ncyc@ncga.com with any questions.